In short
Most vet techs complete a two-year associate degree from an AVMA-accredited program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE); most states then credential them. Veterinary technologists and technicians earned a median of $47,380 in May 2025, and BLS projects 9.4% growth through 2035.
| Median pay | $47,380 a year, about $22.78 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Typical way in | Associate degree |
| Jobs in the U.S. | About 131,400 (2025) |
| Outlook, 2025 to 2035 | Projected growth of 9.4% |
| Openings each year | About 13,400 on average, including replacements |
| National exam | Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) |
| Where they work | Animal hospitals and clinics, labs, shelters |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025 to 2035 and May 2025 wages, BLS. National figures; pay where you live can be higher or lower, and starting pay is lower than the median.
The real job
You restrain animals for exams, draw blood, run lab tests, take X-rays, monitor anesthesia and help with dental cleanings. You also comfort owners, sometimes during euthanasia. Bites and scratches come with the job.
Is the pay worth it?
Pay is lower than many two-year healthcare jobs. People stay for the animals. Run the numbers with the payback calculator.
Questions people ask
How long does it take to become a vet tech?
About two years for an associate degree.
What is the difference between a vet tech and a vet assistant?
Vet techs are credentialed and do more clinical tasks; assistants usually train on the job.
Do vet techs make good money?
Pay is modest compared with human healthcare roles with similar training.